Endometriosis

Definition

Normally, endometrial tissue is found only inside the uterus. The uterus is the reproductive organ where a fetus develops. Hormones cause the tissue to form there, preparing the body for a fertilized egg. If you do not become pregnant, the tissue leaves the body during menstruation.

In endometriosis, endometrial-like tissue is found outside the uterus. For example, it may be found on organs in the abdomen or pelvis. In these places, the tissue still responds to hormones. It swells, breaks down, and bleeds. But it is unable to leave when you menstruate. Surrounding tissue becomes inflamed. There is often scarring.

Endometriosis

Lesions were created by swelling and breakdown of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A pelvic exam will be done. These are best done early in the menstrual period. Since you may not have any symptoms, diagnosis is usually confirmed with a
laparoscopy. This test allows the doctor to see if there are patches of endometrial tissue and scar tissue.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to:

Control pain

Slow endometrial growth

Restore or preserve fertility

Treatment options depend on:

Severity of symptoms

Size, number, and location of growths

Degree of scarring

Extent of the disease

Age and whether you want to have a baby

Treatment includes:

Your doctor may recommend:

Over-the-counter pain relievers to ease mild symptoms

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and help with cramping—best when taken on a regular basis

Prescription pain relievers—often needed

Hormones are an option for women who are not trying to become pregnant. Birth control pills and other injectable drugs interfere with estrogen production. These medications may decrease pain and shrink the size and number of endometrial growths. But, symptoms and endometrial growths tend to come back when the hormones are stopped. If birth control pills are prescribed to manage endometriosis, then they are often used continuously, so that you do not menstruate. After surgery, birth control pills may reduce the chance of these growths returning.

If you have severe symptoms or you want to get pregnant, doctors can try to remove endometrial growths. This is often done with laparoscopic surgery. In severe, unmanageable cases it may be advised to also
remove the uterus and ovaries. But this means that you cannot get pregnant.

American Academy of Family Physicians.
Endometriosis: what you should know. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Aug 15;74(4):601-2. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0815/p601.html. Accessed October 8, 2015.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The Management of Endometriosis. Practice bulletin No. 114; July 2010.

Endometriosis. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/Pages/default.aspx. Updated June 24, 2013. Accessed October 8, 2015.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.